What should you know about pre spirometry?

Spirometry uses a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. You breathe in fully, seal your lips around the mouthpiece and blow out as hard and fast as you can. The test records airflow and the amount of air exhaled. Several attempts are often needed because a consistent effort helps the clinician interpret the result.

It may help assess conditions such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis or a persistent cough. Some assessments compare breathing before and after an inhaled medicine. The test can make you cough, feel briefly light-headed or become breathless, so tell the technician if you feel unwell.

Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your chest or abdomen. Avoid a heavy meal shortly before the appointment, and do not smoke or vape beforehand. Ask the clinic exactly when to use inhalers or other medicines; do not change prescribed treatment without instructions. Bring your inhalers and a list of medicines, and mention recent chest infections, surgery, chest pain or breathing problems.

Tell the testing team before starting if you have severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, a recent heart problem or recent surgery. During the test, stop and alert staff if you develop chest pain, severe dizziness, worsening breathlessness or feel close to fainting. Seek emergency help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips or new confusion.

Which medicines should I pause, and for how long? Should I bring my inhaler? What will the result help diagnose, and when will we discuss it?